Regular cleanings are essential to maintain the health of your gums. Without consistent, professional cleaning appointments, plaque and calculus (tartar) can build up, causing bone loss and inflammation in your gums. This can, in turn, lead to premature tooth loss.
Over 50% of Americans have some form of periodontitis (“gum disease”). The good news is that there are several treatment options available to help treat this disease.
The first thing we do is review effective oral hygiene techniques and discuss ways you can improve your current home care routine. Next, we mechanically remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that has built up on your teeth’s root surfaces. This process is called scaling and root planning (SRP) and is done with a combination of hand instruments and an ultrasonic (a high-frequency vibrating instrument). Occasionally, we then apply antimicrobial products and/or antibiotics to the affected areas in order to assist your body in healing those deep pockets and to help avoid the need for periodontal surgery.
The #1 way to reduce your risk of periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily. You should brush for a full 2 minutes and a power toothbrush is recommended. It is also vital to have regular checkups and cleanings every 4-6 months because your dentist/hygienist has instruments that reach deeper and clean your teeth more effectively than you can at home. In addition to meticulous home care, you can also decrease your chances of developing gum disease by eating a balanced diet, reducing stress in your life, and refraining from smoking/tobacco usage.
Several research articles have linked periodontal disease to other serious, systemic health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, prosthetic joint complications, dementia, and even pregnancy complications. The two most likely reasons for this oral-systemic connection have to do with the fact that periodontal disease may raise your body’s overall level of inflammation and the same bacteria frequently found in periodontal pockets has also been found in blood vessel plaques of people suffering from cardiovascular disease. As studies continue to examine the impact of periodontal disease on people’s overall health it highlights a compelling argument to proactively ensure that you maintain the best oral health possible in order to promote an improved overall health and well-being.
Periodontal therapy is a type of dental treatment that focuses on preventing and treating gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. This therapy is aimed at improving the health of the gums, bones, and other tissues that support the teeth.
Periodontal therapy may include a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the gum disease and the individual needs of the patient. Some common types of periodontal therapy include:
The goal of periodontal therapy is to restore the health of the gums and prevent further damage to the teeth and supporting structures. It can also help to improve overall oral health and reduce the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. There are several stages of periodontal disease, ranging from mild to severe. The different stages of periodontal disease are:
It’s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are key to preventing further damage and maintaining good oral health. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent the development of periodontal disease.
In its early stages, periodontal disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits. However, in its later stages (periodontitis), the damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance.
To reverse gingivitis, the following steps may be taken:
Once periodontitis has developed, the damage to the gums and supporting structures cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance, including:
It’s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and maintenance to prevent further damage and maintain good oral health. If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, please call Villanova Dental Group & Implant Center as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Periodontal disease surgery may be covered by insurance, but it depends on the specific insurance policy and the severity of the periodontal disease.
In general, most dental insurance policies cover basic preventive care, such as regular cleanings and checkups. Some policies may also cover periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery, to treat periodontal disease. However, the extent of coverage for periodontal disease surgery may vary depending on the insurance policy and the severity of the disease.
It’s important to check with your dental insurance provider to determine what is covered under your specific policy. Dr. Patel can also help determine the best course of treatment and work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.
Keep in mind that even if periodontal disease surgery is not fully covered by insurance, it’s still important to seek treatment as untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health problems and potentially impact your overall health.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy is often the first line of treatment for periodontal disease and may be used in combination with surgical treatments for more advanced cases.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy typically involves the following steps:
Non-surgical periodontal therapy can be very effective in treating mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease. However, in more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.
Yes! At Villanova Dental Group & Implant Center, we offer a variety of periodontal therapy treatments depending on the severity of your case. Dr. Patel will perform a detailed examination and discuss your treatment options with you. Give us a call or book your appointment online today!
Periodontal maintenance therapy is a type of ongoing treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. It’s a critical component of managing the disease and preventing its progression.
Periodontal maintenance therapy typically involves the following steps:
Periodontal maintenance therapy is typically recommended every three to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease. It is important to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to prevent the progression of the disease and maintain good oral health.
You’re in the right place! Dr. Patel is very experienced with periodontal disease therapy and located right here in Villanova. Give Villanova Dental Group & Implant Center a call or schedule your appointment online today!
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After your virtual consultation, we will invite you to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Patel so he can take x-rays and make a final determination on your treatment options.